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Malaysia Vacations, Tours & Travel Packages

  • Explore the lush forests and sandy beaches of Bohey Dulang Island
  • Walk the colourful steps to the Batu caves, a popular pilgrimage stop
  • Visiting a tea plantation on the Cameron Highlands is always a popular choice when booking one of our Malaysia vacations.
  • Journey to the Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples and complexes in Southeast Asia
  • Get a bird's eye view of Langkawi from the steepest gondola in the world

Our Malaysia Vacations and Tours

Malaysia offers visitor a wide array of diverse attractions. First, it is necessary to understand the geography of the country. It consists of two distinct parts, Peninsula Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, separated by the South China Sea. Between the two sections of the country, Malaysia consists of modern cities, beach resorts, rainforests, jungles, highland retreats, national parks and much more. The country has an abundance of outstanding natural beauty be it gorgeous beaches, exotic mountainous terrain or fascinating tropical rainforests. Malaysia’s national parks are superb for trekking and wildlife-watching, and sometimes for cave exploration and river rafting.

Another Malaysian quality is its multiethnic influences. Its predominant native Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures all coexist together in peace and harmony. This mixture has influenced both the cultural diversity and the varied cuisine of Malaysia. It is no wonder why Malays love celebrating and socializing. As a people, Malaysians are very relaxed, warm and friendly.

Peninsula Malaysia Travel Highlights

Kuala Lumpur

Where to go and what to see on Malaysia tours? Starting with Peninsula Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the capital, a city which combines the old and the new with its bustling markets, steel-clad skyscrapers, large shopping malls and trendy nightspots. It’s hard not to notice the twin Petronas Towers; which opened in 1998 and were the world’s tallest structure until 2004 which offer amazing views of the city. Merdeka Square, where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957, is ringed by heritage buildings. The colourful, ornate Sri Mahamariamman Temple is a lively Hindu temple and the oldest in Malaysia. To see the Chinese influence, head to Petaling Street with its restaurants and street food stalls. Just outside the city is the sumptuous National Palace contained in its own grounds and home to the elected Monarch. Also close to Kuala Lumpur are the Batu Caves with their Hindu rock carvings and unique rock formations. The best-known museum is the National Museum with its exhibits from Malaysian history and crafts.

Penang

On Malaysia vacations, the second most important destination is Penang, an island off the coast of Western Peninsula Malaysia. Georgetown, its capital, brings back memories of the old colonial era depicted in its architecture and the historic Fort Cornwallis built in the late 18th Century. However, perhaps Penang’s biggest attraction is its beach resorts such as those found in Batu Ferringhi. A visit to Penang Hill introduces you to some of the grandest colonial mansions while enjoying the cool, refreshing air and panoramic views of the island. Another attraction is the tropical butterfly farm in Teluk Bahang with its live museum of winged butterflies. Something different is the Snake Temple, home to several pit vipers and green tree snakes and featured in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”. 

Malacca

Malacca, in the south, has a colonial past which is reflected in its preserved town centre. Influences include Portuguese, Dutch and British rules that all left behind their historical and cultural backgrounds. In addition to the old palace and the large buildings left by the Europeans, the older part of the city has many private houses and shops from nearly a century or more ago. Some of the buildings well worth visiting are the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, the Fort of Santiago from the Portuguese era and St. Paul’s Church, originally built in 1521 by the Portuguese. It has been used as a burial ground for the Dutch and you can still see the tombstones along the church’s walls of ruins.

Langkawi

Probably the best known resort in Peninsula Malaysia is Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea of which only two are inhabited. The main island is scenic Pulau Langkawi which offers a series of beautiful bays each with its own beach area offset by a mountainous backdrop. Two of the many attractions here on a Malaysia tour are the Tujuh Waterfalls where one can swim in the pools and also go hiking and the local cable car which goes to the top of a hill with great views of the island. 

Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands

The British influence is reflected in the hill stations of the Cameron Highlands and the Genting Highlands with their more moderate climates. Cameron Highlands, which was once the getaway for officers and their families during the British occupation, has evolved into a bustling tourist destination. The unique forest at Cameron Highlands is a major attraction in itself offering invigorating treks through the local countryside. Genting Highlands comprises hotels, casinos and a theme park. On a clear day, the peak overlooks lush valleys of rainforest stretching all the way to Kuala Lumpur.

Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara National Park, a tropical rainforest and reputed to be the oldest jungle, features damp, impenetrable jungle. Inside this tangle of ancient trees exist elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos as well as flying squirrels. However, these animals stay far from the park’s trails and sightings are extremely rare. You can consider an overnight trek or boat trip up one of the park’s rivers. The flora & fauna here has evolved naturally over hundreds of millions of years without any disruption.

Tioman Island

Tioman Island, off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, was selected by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie South Pacific as "Bali Hai". It is surrounded by numerous white coral reefs making it a haven for scuba divers on Malaysia vacations.

Malaysian Borneo Trips

Malaysian Borneo is primarily made up of two states, Sarawak and Sabah, and consists of mostly lowland rainforests with areas of mountain rainforest.

Top places to visit in Sarawak

Kuching Tour

The capital of Sarawak, Kuching is small enough to walk around but interesting enough to keep you there for a few days and also a good base from which to explore Sarawak. The Sarawak Museum is the oldest museum in Borneo and houses various ethnic displays and historical items from the state. Fort Margherita, completed in 1879, resides at a strategic position at the riverside of Sarawak. It has been converted into a Police Museum with old cannons, guns, pistols, swords and other vestiges of armoury. The whimsical Cat Museum should not be missed with its large collection of cat memorabilia, exhibits, photos, feline art and cat souvenirs. Some interesting cat characters like Felix the Cat and Garfield the Cat are also housed here.

Longhouse Tour

A stay in Sarawak on a Malaysia tour is not complete without a visit to a longhouse, the traditional dwelling of many of the natives here such as the Iban. A longhouse is a terraced street of separate dwellings covered by one roof and where every family has its own separate room. Communal activities are carried out on the verandah. Visitors are normally greeted with a glass of rice wine and a welcome dance. After that, they tour the longhouse and are entertained by various cultural performances.

Mulu National Park

Mulu National Park near Miri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting. The park is famous for its caves and the expeditions that have been mounted to explore them and their surrounding rainforest. The national park is named after Mount Mulu, the second-highest mountain in Sarawak.

Top places to visit in Sabah

Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu

The main city and capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu. Although mainly the gateway to Sabah’s major attractions, it is worth a couple of days to explore the city on Malaysia vacations. Tanjung Aru is a beach resort nearby with a stretch of clear, soft sandy beach.  At sunset, beach activities thrive and people appear to enjoy the cooler air and the absolutely magnificent sunsets. To obtain a different perspective of the city head to the Signal Hill Observation which offers a prime view of Kota Kinabalu.

Mount Kinabalu

The highest point in Borneo and in fact, South East Asia, is Mount Kinabalu, located in the Kinabalu National Park. It is clearly visible from many parts of Sabah including Kota Kinabalu. There are several good walking trails in the rainforest at the base of the mountain, the climate is agreeably cool and accommodation both inside and outside the park is good.

Scuba Diving in Sipadan

There are hundreds of beautiful islands within Malaysia. Sipadan is one of the most beautiful scuba diving spots in the world and acts as a shelter for many sea animals and fish. There are only a few places in the world that have such a concentration of sea turtles. It is almost impossible to list all the fish and other sea creatures that one might encounter underwater here on a Malaysia tour.

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary 

A vacation to Malaysia is not complete without considering a visit to an Orangutan sanctuary. One of only four Orangutan sanctuaries in the world, Sepilok, in South East Sabah, is the perfect place to view them. Orphaned and injured Orangutans are brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated in order to return to forest life. Another place is the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, not far from Kuching in Sarawak. That said, nothing beats an encounter with a wild Orangutan during a jungle trek in one of the national parks in Borneo.  

So, as has been described, Malaysia, in many ways, has something for everyone. Book one of our Malaysia tours today and experience one of South East Asia's most exotic countries. 

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Unwrapping the Treats of Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur

See Turtles Lay Eggs in Borneo!

Borneo the Bountiful…so much to see and do.

What’s a Good Beach Holiday in Asia? Here’s 5 Fab Ideas

5 Reasons to Choose Asia Over The Caribbean this Winter

Malaysia Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Malaysia vacations.

Learn about the history and culture of Malaysia, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Malaysia's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips and our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Malaysia for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Malaysia tours today! 

Extend Your Trip

After your Malaysia tour, consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

 

 

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FEATURED TRIP
  • Kuala Lumpur, formerly a colonial outpost, has become one of the most lively, advanced and vibrant cities in South East Asia
  • Cenang Beach has a number of restaurants and bars for evening entertainment
  • The Istana Negara is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the monarch of Malaysia
  • Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah is part of an archipelago of 99 islands
  • The eagle is the emblem of Langkawi Island and is thought to have been derived from the Malay word for eagle
FEATURED TRIP

City & Beach Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi

DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Experience Malaysia’s vibrant city and beach culture on this journey through the country. Begin in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, where you’ll gaze upon the Petronas Twin Towers and experience its world-famous food and shopping scene, before heading to Langkawi Island to relax in a beach resort set alongside the jungle.

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Malaysia

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  • Highlights of Borneo: Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Danum Valley & More

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Embark on a captivating 14-day Malaysian vacation, exploring the wonders of Borneo! Begin in the vibrant city of Kuching before venturing into the rich wildlife of Bako National Park, Gading National Park, and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. Immerse yourself in Kota Kinabalu's cultural mosaic before delving into the natural wonders of Bilit and Danum Valley. Finally, unwind on Gaya Island's pristine shores.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 6,179
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences
    Malaysia See Trip Details

  • Luxury Langkawi Island Escape

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: This tropical island of many secluded coves, excellent beaches and a mountainous backdrop, Langkawi is for someone wanting serenity, scenery and all the facilities of a first class resort.
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    6 Days
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  • Classic Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang & More

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: From colonial settlements to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia invites you to experience its diversity.
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  • City & Beach Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Experience Malaysia’s vibrant city and beach culture on this journey through the country. Begin in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, where you’ll gaze upon the Petronas Twin Towers and experience its world-famous food and shopping scene, before heading to Langkawi Island to relax in a beach resort set alongside the jungle.
    Duration:
    12 Days
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  • Malaysian Connector: Singapore to Kuala Lumpur

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Travelling through the heart of Malaysia, discover why it's the highlight of many Asia tours. You'll travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, enjoying the varied and colourful countryside, plus the local highlights of Southern Malaysia.
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    4 Days
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    US$ 945
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    Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Private Experiences
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  • Penang Signature

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: A self-contained island, Penang reflects many interesting influences including the British. Add to this, excellent beaches, panoramic countryside and you will find your time here well spent.
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  • Kuala Lumpur Signature

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Kuala Lumpur is an interesting blend of the old and new. From gleaming high rises to colonial architecture, the city offers a cultural melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences.
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